Haworth outed

COFFS Harbour Cricket Umpires Association is considering an appeal after local first grader Craig Haworth was given a slap on the wrist by the Coffs Harbour and District Cricket Association judiciary committee.

Haworth, who captains Park Beach Bowling Club Colts, was suspended from all cricket until the end of February which in effect rules him out for two and a half club matches and the inter-district final.

He faced the judiciary on Thursday night in relation to incidents which occurred in the match between Nana Glen and Colts at Fitzroy Oval last Saturday.

Haworth was charged with:

n Bringing the game into disrepute.

n Disputing an umpire's decision.

n Engaging in conduct detrimental to the spirit of the game.

n Disputing and disrespecting the role of an umpire.

n Using foul and abusive language.

n Consuming alcohol at a ground when the match is still in progress.

Judiciary chairman, Phil Crofts, said he hoped Haworth's suspension sent a message out to the players that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.

He also said this wasn't the first time Haworth had incurred the wrath of officials after an incident relating to the consumption of alcohol at the 2003-2004season grand final last year.

"Some quarters feel this suspension should have been more severe and there is a chance they may appeal the decision," he said. "The umpires in the competition are generally unhappy with the behaviour of the players and the judiciary is extremely disappointed that incidents are occurring regarding the reactions of players to umpiring decisions."

Crofts said local umpires were constantly doing their level best to improve their standards through local meetings, ongoing assessments and coaching sessions.

He also said there was the chance for captains to air any concerns they have over umpiring by filling in a match report which covers eight different criteria of the umpire's performance and not all captains took the opportunity to do so.

The Park Beach Bowling Club Colts could land in more hot water with another player to front the judiciary in regard to an incident in their previous match against Bellingen.

The player involved has been charged with using offensive language directed at an umpire, disputing an umpire's decision and conduct detrimental to the game.

Crofts said that all players were expected to follow a Code of Conduct laid out in the CHDCA Constitution and to play cricket in the spirit of the game laid out in the laws of the game set down by the MCC as well as national, State and NSW Country bodies.

n Due to wet weather during the week all junior and senior cricket for this weekend has been cancelled.